What to do on New Year’s Eve in Toronto

New Year’s Eve is a big thing for most people for two main reasons: 1) It is a time to dream and plan for the upcoming year, 2) It is a time to party.

If you’re reading this post chances are that you’re not one of those individuals who planned weeks in advance for your New Year’s celebrations and have already bought your ticket(s). So, here are a list of things you can do, beginning with something that is free and doesn’t require much advance planning.

New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square (Queen St./Bay St.)

It’s Free! Here is your opportunity to skate on Toronto’s most famous ice rink, while enjoying great local DJ and live music from top local talent throughout the evening. Then at midnight the spectacular fireworks ignite.

The event begins at 8 p.m. with performers and a variety of local food truck cuisine. Street performers include Dispatch Talent’s Glow Motion (a collection of flow artist, drummers and jugglers enhanced with LED lights). At 10 p.m. the stage show begins with DJs and top local bands. The new Mayor John Tory will personally count down into the new year at midnight followed by spectacular fireworks show.

Co-hosts for the Evening: Nicole Brooks (writer and composer of Obeah Opera Flash Mob), Amanda Martinez, DJ MelBoogie. Live Music: Teebey and Zeus.

Annual New Year’s Eve Skating Party (Natrel Rink, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto: 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

Skate while overlooking Lake Ontario on New Year’s Eve! Celebrate the coming of the new year with new and old tunes at a family-friendly gathering in the heart of the harbourfront.

Scarborough Civic Centre New Year’s Eve (Scarborough Civic Centre Rotunda, 150 Borough Drive, Scarborough: 7 p.m.-12 a.m.)

Festivities include music: Sol de Cuba, Dan the Music Man, The Lincolns, Jordan John and Two for the Show. Family activities for the children and family include arts and crafts, children’s face painting (by Scarborough Clown Corps.). Reptilia is providing an interactive exchibit. The family can also enjoy ice skating to music and a choice of two cartoon movies.

New Year’s Eve in Aurora: Family First Night (Aurora Family Leisure Complex, 135 Industrial Pkwy N.,  &  Stronach Aurora Recreation Comples, 1400 Wellington St. E., Aurora: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. FREE. Tel: 905-726-4762)

Swimming, skating, reptile shows (7  p.m. & 8 p.m.), magic shows (6:30 p.m. & 7:45 p.m.), crafts, inflatable and interactive games. Complimentary hot chocolate with family and friends.

Brampton New Year’s Eve Celebration (Downtown Brampton: 7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.)

The celebrations will be themed around Brampton’s 40 year anniversary as a city. Experience the open-air skating rink, midway amusements, marshmallow roasting and headline act Juno Award-winning Arkells. This promises to be Brampton’s largest new year’s celebration ever as the city has grown to the 9th largest in Canada, is home to over 8000 businesses and continues its Triple ‘A’ credit rating by Standard & Poor’s. In addition, the city’s citizens represent 209 distinct ethnic backgrounds and speak 89 different languages.

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